Solving the Mystery of These Five Common Health Symptoms

1. Hair Loss

Normal: Losing an estimated number of 100 strands throughout the day
Why It Happens: This can happen due to hormonal changes, a sudden stop in birth control pills, during/after pregnancy
When to Worry: When you lose a lot of hair due to stress, mineral deficiency, or an over/under-active thyroid

2. Eye Twitches

Normal: Eye twitches after hours of doing computer work or having too much caffeine/nicotine
Why It Happens: You are under stress
When to Worry: If your chin thrusts forward as you blink since it can be an early sign of Meige Syndrome, a rare yet treatable neurological disease

3. Too Much Hiccuping

Normal: Hiccups can last a few minutes to hours; Some experience it once a month
Why It Happens: It is believed to be caused by electrical impulses in the vagus nerve, extending from the brain stem to the colon – to your heart rate
When to Worry: If you continuously hiccup for a day. You can check with your doctor to rule out irritations of the phrenic nerve.

4. Fingernail Discoloration

Normal: White spots on your fingernails are a result of an impact and not of vitamin deficiency.
Why It Happens: You accidentally put pressure on your nails ( like getting your fingers caught in a drawer )
When to Worry: If you see discoloration all throughout your fingers and toes, you need to see a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of a fungus infection or psoriasis. Pitted nails can also be a sign of autoimmune disorders such as reactive arthritis and inflammation of the joints, eyes, or urethra.

5. Numbness or Tingling

Normal: Numbness or tingling of your muscles and nerves can happen when you are exposed to extreme cold. This can be remedied by putting on a pair of gloves, warmer clothes, or immersing in a hot tub.
When to Worry: If you still feel tingling and numbness even in warm weather, you might have a pinched nerve in your neck or lower back, nerve damage, or even diabetes. Talk to your doctor about options on how you can live a pain-free life.

Your healthy choices will definitely help you lead a better lifestyle. Know that a happy mind means a healthy body. Try to live a life that’s stress and worry-free. If in doubt, you can simply take a time off and meditate your way back to natural healing. You have the power of choice in your hands so listen to your body when it speaks to you. Take care… of You!

Psychology of Fear, Anxiety, Stress & Anger

Quick Ways to Relax Your Mind

Stress is an everyday reality we face, and you may not always avoid outside triggers, but you can definitely tame your mind. Get your cortisol levels under check with these mind relaxation techniques:

1. Controlled Breathing

When you are under stress, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Your brain needs all the oxygen it can get to stay focused. Learn how to control your breathing under panic situations by taking a long deep breath through your nose, holding it for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat up to 10 times until you feel relaxed.

2. Meditation

Even 15 minutes of deep meditation before you go to sleep can make you feel brand new the next day you wake up. Choose a private place that’s far from distraction and meditate. Cleanse yourself from negative thoughts and if you need more help, you can always use music to help you reach your inner zen. Yoga and Tai Chi are the most popular meditation techniques among many.

3. Massage

There’s no replacing human touch when it comes to relaxation, even with all the massage gadgets and chairs around. Get a full-body massage once a week to help soothe your body and mind and make sure it’s done by a certified professional. You may request for an aromatherapy oil to give you that reviving effect.

4. Shut Down

There’s no sense thinking about things that have a one-in-a-million chance of happening in reality. Shut off those worries and fears from your mind when it’s time to go to sleep, or just think of the word ’sleep’ itself to help you sleep better at nights.

The mind is like a sponge and it can handle just enough. At the end of the day, when your energy has been used up, you need to recharge and relax. Your healthy lifestyle and choices can definitely help in the process. You have to put your best efforts to get the relaxation you crave for. Let Go… Relax..

Simple Relaxation — A Guided Meditation

Effective Ways of Boosting Your Brain Power

1. Relax

All those stress and worries bombard your brain with information it doesn’t need. Did you know that you can think better when you’re relaxed? So, before a major meeting or making a big plan, take time to chill out. Studies say that meditation can help boost your concentration.

2. Love Your Fruits and Greens

Rich in antioxidants, fruits and vegetables help get rid of toxins and free radicals that damages every cell inside your body ( including those of your brains ). Snacking on berries, especially blueberries, are said to help improve your memory as it contains compounds called Anthocyanins.

3. Explore

From learning something new, playing word games, to that travel adventure — these are all mentally and visually stimulating that will help fight signs of mind aging and lessen the risk of you catching Alzheimer’s Disease. Besides, you need to take a break and have fun.

4. Take a Walk

Did you know that taking a few minutes of walk can elevate your glucose levels? This is essential to your brain’s memory power. This is why doctors keep on nagging you to exercise daily, not only to keep your body healthy, but your mind as well – not to mention making you feel happier and more confident about yourself.

5. Choosing the Right Supplements

If you’re taking vitamins and minerals, make sure they are top-grade and chemical-free. Your healthy choices will definitely save you from future, negative consequences. Stock up on Coenzyme Q10, which is an antioxidant that helps combat free radicals and speed up energy production in your brain cells.

Overall, you need to take control of your body and get yourself checked for any signs of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It’s all about moderation that will help your brain as sharp as a knife. Learning to live your life in the NOW is the key to making your mind focused and worry-free. Relax!

How To Improve Your Memory

When everyday is not always a shiny day for us and dark clouds hover, it is tough to stay positive. Our thoughts link us closely to our bodies and for it to stay at ease, we must get rid of the mind’s dis-ease – through positive affirmations. There is a scientific evidence showing that our immune system is closely working with our nervous system. This means our minds and emotions can have an impact over disease.

How Do You Harness Positive Affirmations in Your Life?

1. Love Yourself

Each time you look in the mirror, see the wonderful person staring back at you. You are beautiful in every way. Take time to appreciate who you are and feel good about yourself.

2. Forgive

Why do you hold on to the past? All those bottled up feelings of anger, hate, and resentment are bad for your mind and body. Forgive and let your wounds heal. You don’t have to feel like a victim for the rest of your life. Don’t stress yourself and learn the art of letting go.

3. Create Positive Statements

Instead of saying ” I can’t “… for once, say ” I can .. ” Create positive statements and repeat them to yourself as if they are already happening in your life. If you long for peace, say ” I am living a peaceful and happy life. ” You may not believe it, but these positive statements help your subconscious to manifest them in reality. Some people call it the law of attraction.

4. Respect Yourself

It is now time to take a total makeover of your life and take great care of yourself. Have you been living a sedentary lifestyle lately? It is not too late to start making healthy choices, or doing things you love. It’s all about feeling good inside and outside. You need to nurture yourself – with a healthy diet and a regular exercise.

5. Make Realistic Goals

Creating positive affirmations can be a great thing, only if they’re achievable. If you push things way too far, your mind will start thinking negative thoughts that will make you feel hopeless. You can start by being grateful for the things you have today – whatever feels good to you.

Sometimes, you need to avoid people with negative energy that drain your positivity away. There is no point wallowing in sadness. There are plenty of reasons to smile each day, if you only take the time and be grateful about them. Laughter probably is the best medicine in the world, so don’t miss your chance to have a good, hearty laugh. It’s not only good for the heart and soul, but for the body as well. Laugh Your Troubles Away…

Think Positive Thoughts as You Listen to this Beat:

What is Your Positive Affirmation for Today? Share Yours on the Comments Below and Inspire Readers of this Post.

When your body experiences hot flashes, a sudden, intense heat sweeps over your face, neck, arm, torso, legs – or the entire body. There can be blotching or reddening and mild to intense sweat with all those heat. Hot flashes lasts from a few seconds to an hour, although there are rare cases when it exceeds an hour. Women experience hot flashes mostly at nights where estrogen levels drop. This is also known as night sweats. When a hot flash occurs, one can feel anxiety, tension, dizziness, heart palpitation, sleep disorder, depression, or headaches. You may feel you are totally out of control of your body.

Common Hot Flash Triggers

1. Foods high in acid content like citrus and tomatoes
2. Hot beverages
3. Caffeine drinks ( soda, coffee, tea )
4. White sugar
5. Hydrogenated or saturated fats
6. Summer or hot weather
7. Sauna, hot pool, hot tub, or hot spring bath
8. Cigarettes, tobacco, or marijuana
9. Intense sex
10. Spicy foods

Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

1. Exercise

Walk, run, or do other exercises at least 30 minutes daily, but not before you go to sleep.

2. Avoid Your Triggers

Try your best to avoid any of the triggers listed above and have the discipline to make healthy choices and lifestyle habits.

3. Protect Yourself

Summer is the time of the year where you can experience hot flashes often. Try to wear cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe and have a fan or air cooling system to cool down your body.

4. Dong Quai

A popular remedy for menopausal problems, this herb helps regulate hot flashes and relieve your emotional upset. Dong quai helps stabilize your blood vessels. Stop using this when your hot flash won’t subside.

5. Chaste Berry

This herb is famous for the proper regulation of the pitituary glands, helping regulate your hot flashes and dizziness. Considered as a slow-acting tonic, you can see results in 2-3 months time.

6. Black Cohosh

Popularly used by American Indians for relief of menstrual cramps and menopause, there are significant studies showing that it can help reduce hot flashes. Many also swear that it can help relieve the symptoms of hot flashes. Don’t use this if you experience menstrual flooding or if you’re pregnant. Also, caution must be taken by those who are taking estrogen supplements, birth control pills, sedatives, or blood pressure medicines.

7. Essential Oils

The essence of basil or thyme, when inhaled, may ease an onset of hot flashes. You may also rub your foot with it, use it for massage, or drop small amounts to your bath. Just make sure you choose 100% pure grade essential oils to get the best results.

This coming summer, get yourself ready for another onslaught of hot flashes. Keep Cool!

How Your Body Works:

How Do You Stay Awake Naturally?

When our society runs 24 by 7 and normal sleep cycles are disrupted, it is time to look for natural ways to stay awake and make the most out of the day by:

1. Taking a Brisk Walk

Just move around and take a quick walk, even for 10 minutes to pump oxygen to your blood. This can also help you stay energized for the next two hours. Don’t just sit down all the time and get yourself walking during office breaks.

2. Love Power Naps

When you feel that the whole world is literally spinning around you, you need to take a pause by taking a power nap. You can do this up to 30 minutes. If you do it at work, make sure you do it at break time. If you can’t do this, just close your eyes and give it a rest for ten minutes.

3. Avoid Eyestrain

Don’t stare too much in your pc and make sure your monitors are covered with anti-glare screens. You can rub your palms and placed it over your closed eyes to soothe tiredness.

4. Eat Healthy

Try to eat light and smaller portions of your healthy fruits and veggies instead of feasting on sugary treats. Try switching your doughnut with an apple, or enjoy celery sticks than a bag of potato chips.

5. Engage Your Mind

Try anything that will challenge your mind to think. Perhaps, you can have a meaningful discussion with your colleagues about a new idea or you may try challenging yourself to word games.

6. Brighten Up

Use white lights instead of dim, incandescent lights. Fluorescent lighting can help keep you awake and is widely used in production lines in the manufacturing industry.

7. Take a Deep Breath

Taking a deep breath increases blood oxygen levels in your body, boosting your performance and energy levels as well. You can try breathing through your mouth and exhaling through your nose, and vice-versa.

8. Having Common Sense

Don’t ever drink and drive at the same time. If you feel sleepy behind the wheels, you can always pull over and take a nap. You can also chew a spearmint gum to keep you awake, or just tune in to your favorite song and sing along the beat.

9. Avoid Boredom

Repetitive tasks can make you feel sleepy, so try switching it during the day.

10. Hydrate

Nothing can keep you feeling more tired and sleepy than getting dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water each day and that you eat foods high in water content.

11. Bask in the Sun

If you work graveyard shifts, you need to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight to help balance your sleep-wake cycle.

12. Exercise

Keep that oxygen pumping by doing regular exercises that can boost your body’s energy, helping you combat fatigue and stress.

13. Binaural Beats

Appreciate the science behind binaural music, which can help you feel fully rested at nights and totally energized during the day.

If you find yourself too sleepy or if you have difficulty staying awake for more than a week, consult your sleep doctor. You may have a sleep disorder. Still, nothing beats healthy choices and habits that will keep you alert and worry-free. Focus!

How to Stay Awake While Driving

Grief is a process that anyone goes through. This is a fact. There are no prescriptions that can numb the pain of a loss and there is no time limit set for everyone to follow. One must simply find healing and move on. Finding relief is a tough process and knowing how you can deal with all the emotional pain can help you move on.

How Can You Deal with Grief Naturally

1. Acceptance

Learn to accept that loss is a part of life and give yourself time to mourn. Don’t deny your feelings and let your grief take over. You have to undergo the natural process of grieving now, not after five years or so. By accepting what happened, you can move on faster into the flow of your life.

2. Postpone

Put off making major decisions while you are in the grieving process. This means from buying or selling a home, marrying, or even adoption. You need to be in your right mind when you decide on these.

3. Live Healthy

Grieving can make you sluggish and lax about your personal well-being. You have lost something but you are still living. Don’t forget that! You need to force yourself to stay on a healthy habit, make healthy choices, and get physical activities. When you are grieving, your mind and body can truly benefit from a healthy lifestyle that can support your over-stressed immune system.

4. Love Your Music

Music has the power to heal our souls. Yes, there will be those that make you miss more the thing or person you have lost. You may cry a lot, yet, crying can make you feel better afterward. You can always listen to happy music and if you have troubles falling asleep, put your stereo headphones on and be lulled by the science of binaural music.

5. Share Your Pain

From writing your thoughts on a journal to sharing your pain with a friend, you just need to release all that pent up emotions. Don’t feel that you are alone in the process. Your family and friends just don’t know what to say exactly for you to move on. Listen to them when they tell you it’s time to do so. If you don’t want to unburden yourself to your family and friends, you can always ask support from a group, your church, or a counselor.

The only prescription to grief is moving on. It doesn’t mean you forget what happened. It is simply forgiving yourself and circumstances. You cannot change the past so you might as well move on to the future… starting with a bright smile on what today can bring into your life. Peace!

Dealing With Death : Dealing With Grief After Death

When you feel all those negative vibes that make you feel sad, your body’s immune system is at huge risk from foreign invaders that cause sickness. You need to keep your spirit up to be truly healthy and you don’t need to spend thousands for that vial of joy.

How Can You Uplift Your Mood?

1. Just Laugh

Have you taken a look at yourself in the mirror and see yourself smile? If laughter’s been eluding you lately, get back on the laughing habit – which can mean watching comedy flicks to joining a laughter therapy group. Laughter is the best medicine, the adage goes.

2. Take a Walk

Walking doesn’t only help you de-stress, but it can uplift your mood as well. It’s also good for keeping you fit and energized each day.

3. Go to Bed Early

Getting quality sleep is the No.1 way of staying healthy. The less sleep you get, the more tensed and depressed you become. If you have trouble getting sleep, you can speak with your sleep doctor about it. You may also listen to binaural beats to help you get a deep sleep.

4. Clean Your Space

There is reason why there is such a thing as interior design. Certain colors and fixes affect your mood. By cleaning your living or work spaces, you help yourself feel more calm and relaxed. Besides, it can be fun and therapeutic too.

5. Aromatherapy

Pamper yourself in heavenly scents that come from aromatic plants in the form of pure grade essential oils, scented baths, massage oil, or body lotion. If you’re feeling blue, try sniffing good ol’ Lavender or Rosemary.

6. Human Touch

From massages to blissful sex, human touch is a well-known mood booster. Studies say that those who are regularly touched recover faster from sickness than those who don’t. This is why a hug feels good when one is feeling sad.

7. Eat Healthy

Eat foods rich in soluble fiber that can help improve you from feeling cranky – like oatmeal, beans, apples, or strawberries. You may also snack on walnuts, a brain food that is rich in omega 3. Unlike coffee, tea gives you that positive mood with the health benefits.

At the end of the day, you will need to train your mind to focus only on the positive aspects of your experiences. Take a moment and breathe when things are not going well. Remember, there is no permanent problem or a solution – but you can choose to feel good about yourself and others. It All Starts With a Smile!

“He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.”
- Marcus Aurelius

The Secret: Positive Thinking

If you have been feeling bad about the way your body looks, you must keep in mind that no one’s perfect. All those photoshopped images you see on the glossy pages of your favorite fashion magazines are illusions of beauty. So, you have an unsightly mole on your leg, or you are a few inches short of your ideal height. So what?! Many of these negative body images women have are the causes of food-related addictions causing a lot of eating disorders. Know that negative thinking means negative behavior as well.

How Can You Improve Your Body Image?

Your body image is all about accepting who you really are, changing your perceptions about you, and working with your body flaws. You can:

1. Steer Clear of Negative Thoughts

The first step to raising that self-esteem is to feel and think good about yourself. What do you love about you? When you feel confident about who you are, this feeling shows on the outside and people can really tell.

2. Get Real

Lower down the high bar jump of your life and set realistic expectations. Why buy clothes that won’t fit in the first place? The last thing you want is too feel uncomfortable in a pair of jeans that’s too tight.

3. Exercise

For the reason above, if something won’t fit – then, you have to get physical and trim down. Doing physical exercises can trigger stress-releasing hormones that make you feel good about you. Besides, it can also help boost your sex life, other than helping you lose a few pounds.

4. Stay Away from the Weighing Scale

Many women are obsessed with seeing figures on their weighing scale and this is not a healthy habit. Weight loss can’t be done overnight and you need to stick to your healthy choices to maintain your ideal body weight in the long run.

5. Pamper Yourself

The first thing to do to feel great about you is to learn how to pamper yourself. Give yourself a break and head off to a relaxing spa or massage. You can even set up an aromatherapy bath at your home. It doesn’t have to be costly. By appreciating yourself, you move a step closer to an improved body image. Sometimes, a good rest and a day only for yourself can do wonders.

6. Forget the Past

Whether its eating two slices of pure chocolate cake after dinner or some bad experiences you had in the past, you need to learn how to forgive yourself and simply move on. What’s important is what you do today, which will have a great impact on tomorrow.

7. Seek Help

If you really have trouble improving your body image all on your own, you can always join a support group, talk to a friend, or schedule your visit to a mental health care professional. There are deeper and complex issues that took its roots from traumatic experiences in your past that can only be addressed through guided therapy from the experts.

Don’t let your body image make you feel sad and low. You are beautiful in your own way. Take a pen and paper right now and list down the things you like and people like about you. Read it and feel yourself smile. Be Happy About… YOU!

Improve Your Body Image: